A fully lined (and very roomy) stocking with Fair Isle detail

“For me, Christmas and the end-of-year festivities carry the idea of family, and sharing. Stockings are not a tradition in France where I grew up, but here, in Scotland, things are different. I want my little one to remember where he grew up, so decided to knit him a “Christmas ‘Scot’-ing” to hold those memories inside.

It was with Scotland (and Fair Isle) in mind that I charted this design. As for the yarn… I was lucky to visit the New Lanark village, embedded in the valley on the shore of the river Clyde, which has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage. It used to be a cotton mill, and is now a wool mill.

I came across some of the New Lanark Pure Wool DK in a local wool shop, and well, I believe the yarn chose me! And “told” me it wanted to become a very special thing and was just waiting for my needles.

And so… I bring you a Christmas stocking for the special little person in your heart.“

Message aux francophones: Si l’anglais n’est pas votre premiere langue, mais que vous souhaitez vous lancer et tricoter un de mes designs, n’hesitez pas ! Je peux vous aider a traduire des passages qui vous poseraient probleme, et, si il y a une demande suffisante, me lancer dans la traduction complete de mes modeles.

Size:
Knitted in the recommended yarn, this stocking will measure approximately 45 cm (18 in) in circumference, 55 cm (21 1/2 in) from cuff to point of heel, and 40 cm (15 3/4 in) from heel to toe.

If you would prefer a smaller stocking, you could substitute yarn for a 4 ply and/or knit at a tighter gauge. On the other hand, if you would like a very big stocking, substitute for a heavier yarn and/or a looser gauge. Note that this will affect yardage requirement.

Yarn requirement:
Sample shown uses New Lanark Pure Wool DK:

• in Shade Ecru (white), 2 x 50g (A)
• in Shade Sky (light blue), 2 x 50g (B)
• in Shade Denim (darker blue), 1 x 50g (C)
• in Shade Navy (navy), 1 x 50g (D)

Needles and Notions:

• 4.0 mm (US 6) – 40 cm circular needle (or DPNs). DPNs (or 2 circular needles) for decreasing for toe
• Darning needle, stitch markers, stitch holder (or waste yarn)
• Fabric for lining (approx. 75 cm x 150 cm / 29.5 in x 59 in), tracing paper to draw sewing template, sewing needle and thread, pins and safety pins

14-Page Pattern includes:
Detailed charts in colours and/or symbols for all colourwork sections. Extensive written directions. Photos and schematics. Sewing template and detailed instructions to cut, sew and assemble lining.

The chart for the lettering section does not include the complete alphabet. However it contains the letter “A” as in the sample for guidance, and charts to design your own embellishment.

Pattern also includes a description of New Lanark, where the yarn comes from, and of Huntly Castle, Scotland, which provided the perfect scenery to photograph this “Christmas Scot-ing”.